Abortion in Oregon

Overview

Yes, abortion is legal in Oregon. There is no limit on abortion in Oregon based on how far along in pregnancy you are.

To figure out how far along you are in pregnancy, count from the first day of your last period.

Getting an Abortion in Oregon

If You’re Under 15

If you’re under 15 years old, you’ll need to get consent from a parent or legal guardian to get an abortion in Oregon. This consent is required for any medical procedure for patients under 15.

If You’re 16 or 17

If you’re 16 or 17 years old, you do not need permission from a parent or guardian to get an abortion in Oregon.

Finding a Provider

Use our abortion provider search to find a provider near you in Oregon.

If you need help getting an appointment or have other questions, call the National Abortion Federation (NAF) Hotline at 1-800-772-9100. They provide confidential help.

Financial and Other Assistance

There are organizations that offer financial help or other assistance for travel, lodging and childcare related to getting an abortion.

Most organizations require you to have an abortion appointment already scheduled before you apply for funding or support.

Some options to explore:

  • Northwest Abortion Access Fund – Provides financial assistance to low-income individuals seeking abortion care.
  • Brigid Alliance – Offers travel arrangements like transportation, accommodation, childcare etc.

Oregon’s Abortion Laws

No Waiting Period

Oregon does not have a mandatory waiting period for abortions. There is no requirement to attend counseling and wait 24 hours before the procedure.

See also  Abortion in Colorado

You can have the consultation and abortion all in one appointment if you choose.

No Parental Involvement Required

Oregon does not have a parental notification or consent requirement for minors seeking abortions, unless they are under 15 years old.

No Limit on Pregnancy Stage

There are currently no term limits or gestational age restrictions for accessing abortion in Oregon. Abortion is legal at any stage of pregnancy.

However, individual clinics and providers may have limits on later abortions past a certain point, typically 24 weeks. Always check directly with the provider for specifics.

The Abortion Procedure

There are a two main methods used to perform abortions:

Medication Abortion

Also known as the abortion pill, this involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol pills to end a pregnancy. It can be done through 10 weeks.

In-Clinic Abortion

Several techniques are used to perform surgical abortions in a clinic setting:

  • Suction Aspiration: The most common method in the first 12-14 weeks of pregnancy. It uses gentle suction to empty the uterus.
  • Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Typically used after 14 weeks of pregnancy, it involves gradually opening the cervix and removing tissue using suction and medical instruments. A 2-day process.
  • Induction Abortion: Used after 16 weeks. Medications are used to induce contractions and delivery of the pregnancy tissue.

After the Abortion

Typical recovery time is about 1-2 weeks after a surgical abortion. Medication abortion recovery is faster.

Potential side effects include cramping, bleeding, nausea, etc. Serious risks are very low.

Abortion Statistics for Oregon

Number of Abortions Annually

In 2021, there were approximately 12,770 abortions performed in Oregon. The number has slowly declined since 2017 when there were about 14,100 abortions.

See also  Abortion in Wyoming

Abortion Demographics

In Oregon, patients who obtained abortions were:

  • 50% in their 20s, 31% in their 30s, 13% aged 15-19
  • 62% white, 2% Black, 17% Hispanic
  • 50% had incomes less than the federal poverty level

Abortion Risks

Abortion is a very safe procedure. Risks of serious complications or death are extremely low – much lower than the risks associated with giving birth.

Conclusion

Oregon is protective of abortion rights. Abortion remains legal and accessible in the state at all stages of pregnancy with few restrictions for adults or later-term abortions.

Minors may access care without parental involvement from age 16 and up.

Various forms of financial and logistical assistance are available through clinics and non-profits to help with abortion access.

For more information and resources in Oregon or neighboring states, some helpful sites include:

  • Planned Parenthood – Oregon
  • NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon
  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Oregon

FAQs

Can I get a free or low-cost abortion in Oregon?

  • Yes, financial assistance and abortion funds are available through certain clinics and non-profit organizations if you meet eligibility criteria related to income level or hardships. Medicaid may also cover abortion costs.

Are abortion pills available by mail in Oregon?

  • Yes, Oregon allows healthcare providers to mail mifepristone and misoprostol pills to patients after an online consultation instead of requiring an in-person visit. Some restrictions apply, so check with the provider.

Does Oregon require ultrasounds before abortion?

  • No law mandates ultrasounds before abortions in Oregon. However, some providers may perform ultrasounds to date pregnancies or screen for issues. This varies by clinic.
See also  Abortion in Wisconsin

Can someone under 18 get an abortion without parental consent in Oregon?

  • Yes, people aged 16 and 17 can consent to their own abortion care in Oregon without parental notification or permission (unless they are in foster care). If under age 15, they would need guardian consent.

How far along can you be to get an abortion in Oregon?

  • There is no gestational limit. Abortion is legal at any stage of pregnancy. Individual clinics may have limits on later abortions, typically around 24 weeks but sometimes later.

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